“Someone I loved once gave me a box full of darkness. It took me years to understand that this too, was a gift” - Mary Oliver
I didn’t say anything in the days leading up to it, but on Saturday,18th August we went to Brixham to scatter Andy’s ashes. Originally the Brixham Lifeboat Crew were going to do it for us when they were next on manoeuvres, but in the end both Lucy and I had a change of mind, and wanted to do it ourselves. …. I know it sounds daft but we didn’t want to leave Andy/Dad/The Duke with strangers …. even though they would have been very, very lovely caring strangers, I know, deep in my heart that it was the right decision. 
We had to make several trips to the beach, a place which Andy had described, while fishing off the jetty last year as, for him, the closest place to heaven on earth because it never quite quiet enough….. !
We had to make several trips to the beach, a place which Andy had described, while fishing off the jetty last year as, for him, the closest place to heaven on earth because it never quite quiet enough….. !
However, as the light faded we all said our final goodbyes and then skimmed stones ….. before leaving Andy where he was happiest …. a place where he could fish to his hearts content …… and gaze at the beautiful view.
We were able to make a donation of £1,025 in Andy’s memory from friends and family, towards the upkeep of the Brixham Lifeboat, something that would have really choked him. He would never fail to buy something from an RNLI shop/stand/stall whenever he saw one ….. as we can all contest, as we each have at least one RNLI keyring courtesy of Andy.
A wonderful gentleman called Stuart Elliman, the Lifeboat Operations Manager at Brixham gave us a guided tour of the Lifeboat and Lifeboat station, something Andy would also have just loved …. 
…… it was such a privilege … and made our visit even more special and something that will stay with us for a very long while to come…. 
10 comments:
Helen, it was lovely that you could give Andy they sort of send-off that you hoped - that beach looks beautiful.
Big hugs
Toni xx
SHow lovely that huge amount of money was raised in his memory for the RNLI.
I hope life treats you kind and you only have happy memories from now on.
I think you made the right decision xx
The water looks so calm, what a beautiful place to rest. xx
What a lovely place, and thing to do, I'm sure after all that you have told us about him, that you couldn't of chosen a better place, lots of love Helen, from Me xx
I'm certain you know this is the best resting place for your beloved Andy. So beautiful and Andy's heaven. The quote is absolutely perfect; the pain is there because of all the love....Much Love from here...Dianne
you did what your heart said it should do and the window is now closed so you can now look back at these days with out the cold hard wind of pain blowing , you can look back and see that you did it his way and be proud thatin doing that you did it just perfectly right for every one big love and a hug from marc rick stephan and co
What a beautiful and fitting way to say Goodbye in such a lovely part of the country. But I think the Duke is going to be with you wherever your feet tread, Helen. And that must be a comfort to you, always.
I can't add anything to the beautiful comments above Helen, they say it all - just know that we all care. Love, Di xx
Helen what a wonderful send off in a most beautiful place. The duke will be fishing until eternity. What more could a person ask for. Louise xx
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